Originally Posted by
Fragola
The Tokyo City Atlas: Bilingual Guide (by Kodansha) mentioned earlier is a definite must. With it being bilingual you can always ask a local to point out things and both of you will understand.
Also highly recommended is a subway guide. Back in 2008 I used this one
http://www.amazon.com/Little-Tokyo-S...o+subway+guide but it's not available anymore.
You will want a small printed reference you can study ahead of time vs relying only on the wall maps inside the stations. My guide had the intersecting stations for each line marked, as well as station locations for all major landmarks, hotels, parks, museums, temples, etc. Travel time in minutes between each station is also noted to allow calculation of travel time.
Another important note: There are 2 subway companies in Tokyo. The lines are integrated but you need different tickets for each. You can buy a day pass for each individual company or a combined pass for travel on either set of lines.
Many places that deal with foreigners (such as the hotel I stayed at) have detailed walking directions in English from the nearest subway station, with walking time listed in minutes. The system was designed to have most locations within a 10-15 minute of the nearest station.
Another tip would be to carry a small compass to help orient you when exiting a station. Very handy to get back to a station too when you know you are in the right neighbourhood but find yourself walking around in a circle.
These are some good tips.
I was actually looking for a compass, though I'm having trouble finding a place that sells them without having to trek to a remote part of the city.
I already have 2 small subway maps at my disposal, and I am aware of the different Tokyo subway companies.
I have a couple of questions, though:
Does a combined ticket also cover the JR Yamanote line, or do I need a separate ticket for that?
How would I know which direction a train will be traveling? Are there signs that say, for example, 'to Meguro' or 'to Nishi takashimadaira'?
In New York, the subway has signs that specifically tell you what the last stop on that line is.
In Moscow, there are signs on the walls of the stations.
One more thing. I just googled the atlas you recommend, and apparently not one seller has this book in stock, including Barnes & Noble, and it's too late to order it by mail.
Also, isn't this atlas a bit old? It was originally written in 1998, and the last time it was updated was in 2004.